For almost five hundred years, the Mona Lisa smile has mystified viewers and intrigued historians. Completed in 1515, the Mona Lisa has hidden the lady's secret well. Now, after years devoted to research and analysis of the works of Leonardo da Vinci, W. N. Varvel has decoded the Mona Lisa and reveals the message within her smile, a secret too dangerous for the artist to acknowledge during his life but one which he hoped future generations would understand and embrace. The coming of the "New Jerusalem" depends on the world's recognizing what lies behind the Mona Lisa smile. Detailing how the artist wove a calculated fabric of clues, symbols, and images, Varvel establishes not only da Vinci's, but also Michelangelo's, belief in Theological Gender Equality. Like a detective on the trail of a major case, Varvel tracks clues, links previously unnoticed connections, recreates scenarios, identifies villains and heroes, and weaves a tapestry of comprehensive evidence to "prove" what the lady says. For five hundred years, the lady has smiled now she speaks.

"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.

Review:

"The Mona Lisa is both a masterpiece in art as well as a religious icon. Readers of The Lady Speaks will never be able to view the Mona Lisa in the same way." -- Rev. Dr. Alphina Wines, Pastor, Dido United Methodist Church "Praise for The Lady Speaks"

"After nearly five hundred years of speculation, The Lady Speaks. This is a brilliant, engaging, and well-documented presentation of the hidden truth within the Mona Lisa. The message of Theological Gender Equality is of profound importance to our generation and illuminates the original intent of Leonardo da Vinci." -- Jennifer Mitchell, JD, Attorney-at-Law "Praise for The Lady Speaks"

"The Lady Speaks compels the church to critically reexamine biblical texts and iconic religious works of art in order to derive those refined truths that currently run counter to traditional patriarchal and andocentric interpretations." -- Rev. Dr. Irie Session, Senior Pastor, Warren Avenue Christian Church "Praise for The Lady Speaks"

"A most brilliant and insightful read! To think that both Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci were aware of the necessity for the Church to recognize Theological Gender Equality over five hundred years ago testifies to their divine genius, particularly in light of the danger from the Holy Tribunal of the Inquisition." -- - James O. Duke, PhD, Professor, Brite Divinity School "Praise for The Lady Speaks"

"The Lady Speaks presents Leonardo da Vinci's hidden message within the Mona Lisa, Theological Gender Equality to the Priesthood of Jesus Christ. This message broadens the understanding of men and women to the truth that the Priesthood of Jesus Christ is universal to all." -- - Brenda Gordon, Product Manager, Vice President of a large financial institution "Praise for The Lady Speaks"

About the Author:

W. N. Varvel has been on a journey of academic research and self-discovery for the past twelve years, leading to the unexpected discovery and decoding of the interpretation of the Mona Lisa. He researches and writes about the Italian High Renaissance in Canada and the United States. During graduate study at the University of Michigan and Michigan State, he established the collaboration between Leonardo's The Battle of Anghiari and Michelangelo's The Battle of Cascina. Currently he is preparing The Little Book, a follow-up to The Lady Speaks. A graduate of Texas A&M with degrees in chemical and petroleum engineering, he held positions at Chevron Texaco and founded A-Plus Tutoring in College Station, Texas. He lives in Dallas with his wife, Janice, and son, Daniel.